How to be a Likeable Coworker

Every office has at least one social butterfly—someone who’s always cheerful, friendly, and takes the time to ask nearly everyone how they spent their weekend or how their families are doing. They remember birthdays, anniversaries, coffee orders, and big upcoming projects. They’re quick to cheer others on or lend a hand, whether that means helping with a deadline or giving their coworker a lift when their car is in the shop. They’re the kind of person almost everyone respects—and genuinely enjoys working with.

Even if you’re unlikely to be voted “most social” in the office, being a likeable coworker still matters. Being “someone you’d sit next to on a long bus ride” can help you stand out in an interview, and cultivating positive relationships with colleagues is crucial to overall job satisfaction. Strong workplace connections also improve collaboration, productivity, and employee engagement, with some studies showing that having a best friend at work can double the likelihood of being engaged in your job.

So how do you build these valuable workplace relationships? While every connection is unique, the key traits of likeable coworkers tend to be consistent. If you’re looking to strengthen your professional network and improve your workplace relationships, here’s how to become one of the most well-liked people in your office.

Be Approachable

The most likeable people at work are the ones who appear open, friendly, and accessible. So don’t discount the power of body language. If you’re always at your desk with your head down, facing away from others during meetings, or avoiding eye contact in the hallways, you can inadvertently come across as distant—even if you’re perfectly kind and respectful.

To be more approachable, the easiest way is to remember to smile! Relax your posture, greet coworkers when you see them, and make eye contact when in conversation or even in passing. If you’re more of an introvert, some of these behaviors may take practice, but being approachable is a learned skill, not a fixed trait. The more intentional you are, the more natural it will become.

Be Inclusive

Likeable coworkers go out of their way to notice the people on the sidelines and make them feel included. Whether that’s offering to sit with the new intern at lunch or extending a coffee run invite to your quieter coworker, including others whenever possible is an endearing trait of the office social butterfly.

Develop Active Listening Skills

Active listening is a set of soft skills that demonstrates you are fully engaged and interested in what someone has to say. A crucial tool in any employee’s toolbox, strong active listening skills include being fully present in the conversation without distractions, paraphrasing the speaker’s key ideas, and asking thoughtful, genuine follow-up questions. By practicing active listening, you endear yourself to others, improve your relationships, and even demonstrate leadership abilities that could help your career long-term. 

Take an Interest in Your Coworkers

You likely know your coworkers’ names—but do you know what they enjoy outside of work? The most likeable colleagues take the time to get to know their colleagues and ask about their lives, families, and interests. Most people like to talk about themselves, and even short check-ins can go a long way. So slow down, stop by the proverbial water cooler, and ask your coworker about their softball team or if they have any new pictures of their new puppy at home. Those small conversations build meaningful connections over time.

Avoid Gossip and Office Politics

It may seem obvious, but it bears repeating—negativity spreads quickly. Engaging in office gossip, spreading rumors, or talking poorly about colleagues or leadership can damage trust and credibility. Venting may feel good in the moment, but what goes around tends to come around—which can lead to negative repercussions personally and professionally. If you have a legitimate concern, address it through the appropriate channels. Choosing integrity over drama builds respect—and respect fuels likeability.

Be a Helping Hand

When a colleague asks for help with a project, or your boss wants someone to pick up your team’s lunch order, do you volunteer? Likeable people are eager to help others when they can, without expecting anything in return. Offer to grab copies from the printer for a meeting, volunteer for a coffee run, or spend a few minutes tidying up the break room. If your workload allows, you can also support teammates with projects to ease pressure. Just be mindful of your own capacity—helping others should never come at the expense of burnout.

Show Your Appreciation

Compliments and recognition make the office a brighter place, and the most likeable colleagues are generous with expressing their appreciation. Whether the accolades are personal (a new haircut or outfit) or professional (an engaging presentation or successful sales campaign), share what you admire about your coworkers. Your recognition efforts can even spread to the wider office environment—87% of HR professionals note that employee recognition improves workplace relationships, leading to a strong culture of support and higher productivity and employee engagement. So, pile on the praise!

Likeable Coworkers Spread the Love

Building strong professional relationships takes intention, but the payoff is worth it. By being positive, helping and recognizing others, and learning to listen well, you can spread a culture of positivity throughout your office— and enjoy your job and workplace even more.